Unforgettable Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort in a Dish

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the mark quite like a hearty Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. With the perfect balance of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy, cheesy rice, this one dish wonder is a family favorite. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck with friends, or a cozy night at home, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. This dish has stood the test of time and continues to charm generations with its simplicity and versatility.

“Cooking is like love; it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.”

Harriet Van Horne

The best part? You don’t have to be a seasoned chef to whip up this casserole! It’s the kind of recipe that allows for flexibility whether you want to experiment with spices, cheeses, or even sneak in some extra veggies. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) make for an easy and delicious lunch. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so beloved and how you can make it in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages

Who doesn’t love a rich, cheesy, and creamy casserole? This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is designed to satisfy taste buds across generations. Kids will love the gooey cheese and soft rice, while adults will appreciate the comforting, home-cooked flavor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those green veggies without anyone noticing!

Easy to Customize

Want to switch things up? This dish is incredibly flexible. You can swap out chicken for turkey, or try using a different cheese like sharp cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a little spice. The broccoli can be swapped with cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini, depending on what’s in your fridge. Not to mention, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.

Budget-Friendly and Time-Saving

With a handful of basic ingredients, this casserole is both economical and time-efficient. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples like rice and condensed soup, meaning fewer trips to the store. It’s a perfect recipe for when you want a fulfilling dinner without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.

Freezer-Friendly for Meal Prep

Have a busy week ahead? This casserole freezes wonderfully, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping. Just assemble everything, pop it in the freezer, and bake when you’re ready for a homemade dinner on demand.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• 1 tbsp butter (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Rice: Start by cooking 2 cups of rice according to package instructions. White or brown rice works well for this recipe, but you can also use instant rice to save time. Once cooked, fluff the rice and set aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken on hand, boil or roast two chicken breasts and shred or cube them. You can also use rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
4. Blanch the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they turn vibrant green. Drain and set aside. For frozen broccoli, just thaw and drain well.
5. Mix the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked rice, chicken, and broccoli to the mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Top with Cheese & Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. If you like a crispy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
10. Let It Rest: Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to scoop out.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

1. Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli: Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well in this recipe. However, if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
2. Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melting quality. For the creamiest casserole, shred your cheese fresh from the block.
3. Leftover Chicken Hack: Got leftover chicken from another meal? This casserole is the perfect way to repurpose it. Rotisserie chicken also works wonders and adds an extra depth of flavor.
4. Add a Crunchy Topping: The breadcrumb topping is optional, but it adds a delightful crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole. If you’re not a fan of breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers or crispy fried onions instead.
5. Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover with foil and bake when you’re ready. If you’re freezing it, cover it tightly and it will keep for up to 3 months.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole FAQ

Got Leftovers? Transform them with these Rotisserie Chicken Recipes!

People also ask

Should you cook rice before putting in a casserole?

No, it’s not always necessary to cook the rice before adding it to a casserole. In fact, many casserole recipes use uncooked rice. The rice will cook in the casserole while absorbing flavors from the sauce and other ingredients. However, if the casserole recipe includes a lot of liquid, the rice will cook properly. If the recipe doesn’t include enough liquid, it’s better to pre-cook the rice to ensure it gets fully cooked.

Is eating rice, chicken, and broccoli healthy?

Yes, rice, chicken, and broccoli can be a very healthy meal. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and broccoli is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Rice, especially brown rice, is a good source of carbohydrates and provides essential energy. Together, they create a balanced meal that offers a combination of protein, fiber, and carbs, all important for a healthy diet. To make it even healthier, opt for a whole-grain rice variety and avoid adding too much salt or unhealthy fats.

Is it better to use fresh or frozen broccoli in a casserole?

Both fresh and frozen broccoli can work well in casseroles, but there are a few differences:

• Fresh broccoli tends to have a crisper texture and a slightly stronger flavor, but it requires a bit more prep time (like cutting and washing).
• Frozen broccoli is often pre-cooked (blanched), which can reduce the cooking time for the casserole. However, it might release more water as it cooks, so you may need to adjust the liquid in the casserole to avoid it becoming too soupy. For convenience, frozen broccoli is often a good choice, but fresh broccoli can give a better texture and flavor.

Can you cook raw chicken and broccoli together?

Yes, you can cook raw chicken and broccoli together in a casserole or skillet. Chicken needs to be cooked through to ensure food safety, while broccoli can be added later in the cooking process so it doesn’t overcook and lose its nutrients. It’s important to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Can you bake raw chicken and vegetables in the same pan?

Absolutely! Baking raw chicken and vegetables together in the same pan is a great way to combine flavors. The juices from the chicken can help flavor the vegetables, and everything can cook at the same time. However, make sure to arrange the chicken so that it cooks evenly. For even cooking, use vegetables that cook at a similar rate to chicken (such as carrots, potatoes, or onions), or add more delicate vegetables like broccoli later in the cooking process to prevent them from overcooking.

How do I add flavor to bland chicken casserole?

If your chicken casserole is bland, try one or more of the following tips:

• Seasoning: Increase the amount of seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder) to taste.
• Herbs and Spices: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, or basil for extra depth of flavor.
• Cheese: Cheese adds both flavor and richness. Try adding sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan.
• Condiments: Incorporate a creamy sauce or condiments like mustard, soy sauce, or hot sauce for a flavor boost.
• Crisp Topping: Add a crunchy topping such as breadcrumbs or French-fried onions to create a contrast in texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

1. Not using enough liquid: If you don’t add enough liquid (like chicken broth or cream), the rice may not cook properly or may turn out dry. Always ensure there’s enough moisture in the casserole for the rice to absorb while cooking.
2. Overcooking the broccoli: Adding broccoli too early in the baking process can lead to overcooked, mushy vegetables. To avoid this, add the broccoli during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
3. Undercooking the chicken: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. If you’re using large chicken breasts, it may take longer to cook. A meat thermometer can ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Using the wrong type of rice: Not all rice types work well in casseroles. Instant rice and other quick-cooking varieties may not absorb the liquid and flavor as well as long-grain rice or brown rice.

Conclusion:

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that can be adapted in many ways to suit your taste preferences. By avoiding common mistakes like underseasoning, overcooking vegetables, or not using enough liquid, you can make sure your casserole turns out flavorful and satisfying. Whether you opt for fresh or frozen ingredients, this meal is a great way to bring together a healthy combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates for a balanced dish.

The Ultimate Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Thomas J. Moss

"UltimateComfort: Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe That Warms the Soul"

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• – Mixing bowls
• – Whisk
• Spoon for stirring
• Cheese grater

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
• 1 cup broccoli florets fresh or frozen
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs optional for topping
• 1 tbsp butter for topping

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
• Cook the Rice: Start by cooking 2 cups of rice according to package instructions. White or brown rice works well for this recipe, but you can also use instant rice to save time. Once cooked, fluff the rice and set aside.
• Prepare the Chicken: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken on hand, boil or roast two chicken breasts and shred or cube them. You can also use rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
• Blanch the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they turn vibrant green. Drain and set aside. For frozen broccoli, just thaw and drain well.
• Mix the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
• Combine Everything: Add the cooked rice, chicken, and broccoli to the mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
• Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
• Top with Cheese & Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. If you like a crispy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
• Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
• Let It Rest: Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to scoop out.

Notes

Notes:

• This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.

• You can make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 380 | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 2mg

Keyword Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

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